Older Adults Taking Known Placebos Gain 9.2% Physical Performance in 3-Week Trial
Updated
Updated · SciTechDaily · Jun 23
Older Adults Taking Known Placebos Gain 9.2% Physical Performance in 3-Week Trial
2 articles · Updated · SciTechDaily · Jun 23
Summary
A 90-person randomized trial found older adults who knowingly took inactive pills for three weeks improved short-term memory, physical performance and stress more than no-treatment participants.
The open-label placebo group cut stress versus both the deceptive-placebo and control groups, while both placebo groups posted cognitive and physical gains despite the pills containing no active ingredients.
Physical performance rose 9.2% with open-label placebos and 7% with deceptive placebos; cognitive scores improved 6.9% to 21.5% and 12.6% to 14.6%, depending on the test.
Researchers at Università Cattolica said the results suggest expectations and other mind-body mechanisms can support healthy aging without deception, making open-label placebos a potentially ethical intervention.
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Overview
A groundbreaking study published in March 2026 by researchers from Università Cattolica in Milan revealed that open-label placebos—pills that older adults knew were inactive—can still significantly boost health. In a randomized trial with 90 participants aged 65 to 90, those who knowingly took inert pills showed notable improvements in memory, physical performance, and overall well-being after just three weeks. The open-label placebo group experienced the greatest benefits, highlighting the powerful influence of the mind on physical and cognitive health, even without active medication. This research suggests a promising, ethical approach to supporting healthy aging.